I stood in front of the mirror, barely recognizing myself in the tailored suit. The dark fabric highlighted my newly strengthened physique, making me look like someone who belonged in Isabelle Ashworth's world—or at least could fake it convincingly.
"Stop fidgeting," Isabelle said, stepping into view behind me. Her reflection smiled at mine. "You look perfect."
"Perfect might be overselling it," I replied, tugging at my collar. "I've never worn anything this expensive in my life."
She slapped my hand away from my neck. "And that's exactly why I insisted on buying it for you. Tonight's banquet will be full of Havenwood's elite, and first impressions matter."
I turned to face her directly. Isabelle was stunning in a midnight blue gown that accentuated every curve. Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, diamond earrings catching the light with each small movement of her head.
"Won't people talk? About me being there with you?" I asked.
Isabelle lifted her chin. "Let them talk. You're my guest. My co-host, actually."
"Co-host?" My eyebrows shot up.
"Well, not officially." She winked. "But stick close to me, and no one will dare question your presence."
I swallowed hard, wondering what I'd gotten myself into. Just a week ago, I was still licking my wounds after the Sterling family had thrown me out. Now I was preparing to attend a high-society function with Isabelle Ashworth on my arm.
"What if I embarrass you?" The words slipped out before I could stop them.
Isabelle's expression softened. She reached up to straighten my tie, her fingers lingering against my chest. "The only way you could embarrass me is by hiding who you are. You're remarkable, Liam Knight. It's time everyone else saw that too."
Her confidence in me was both heartwarming and terrifying. "I'll try not to spill wine on anyone important."
"That's the spirit," she laughed, linking her arm through mine. "Now, let's go make everyone jealous."
---
The new Ashworth manor was even more impressive than I'd imagined. Marble floors gleamed beneath crystal chandeliers, while uniformed servers glided through the crowd with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres.
"Deep breath," Isabelle whispered beside me as we entered the grand ballroom. "Remember, you have as much right to be here as anyone."
Easy for her to say. She'd been born into this world of wealth and privilege. I was an orphan, a failed husband, a nobody who'd just recently discovered he had powers.
Still, with Isabelle's hand resting lightly on my arm, I felt a surge of confidence. We moved through the crowd, stopping occasionally as she introduced me to various business associates and family friends.
"And this is Liam Knight," she would say, her tone suggesting I was someone of importance. "He's recently become a close associate of mine."
I smiled and shook hands, trying to remember names and faces. Most regarded me with polite interest, though a few gave Isabelle questioning looks that she expertly ignored.
We were speaking with an older gentleman about his shipping company when I felt a chill run down my spine. A familiar laugh cut through the ambient noise of the ballroom.
Seraphina.
I turned slowly, and there she was—radiant in a red dress, her arm wrapped around a tall, dark-haired man I recognized from photos as Gideon Blackwood. They were heading straight for us.
"Isabelle," I murmured, "my ex-wife and her new boyfriend are coming this way."
She didn't even glance in their direction. "Good. I was hoping they'd show up."
"You were?" I asked, startled.
"Of course. It's always better to confront these things head-on." Her voice was cool and controlled, but I detected a hint of eagerness that made me nervous.
Before I could ask what she meant, Seraphina and Gideon were upon us.
"Well, well," Seraphina purred, her gaze flickering between Isabelle and me. "If it isn't Liam Knight. I hardly recognized you without those pathetic hand-me-downs you used to wear."
Gideon smirked, extending his hand. "Gideon Blackwood. I've heard so much about you—none of it particularly flattering."
I felt heat rising to my face but fought to maintain my composure. "I'm sure Seraphina has been very creative with her storytelling."
"Oh, she didn't need to embellish," Gideon replied with a cold smile. "Your reputation speaks for itself."
I opened my mouth to respond, but Isabelle beat me to it. She slipped her hand into mine, interlacing our fingers in a gesture that was unmistakably possessive.
"Mr. Blackwood," she said, her voice dripping with frost, "I don't believe we've been formally introduced, though your family has been trying to arrange a meeting for months."
Gideon's smirk faltered. "Miss Ashworth, it's an honor. The Blackwood family has great respect for your business acumen. Perhaps we could discuss potential collaborations..."
"I think not," Isabelle cut him off. "My family has a strict policy against partnerships with those who associate themselves with... less reputable elements." Her gaze flicked dismissively to Seraphina.
Seraphina's face flushed with anger. "How dare you—"
"I dare quite easily," Isabelle interrupted, squeezing my hand. "Now, if you'll excuse us, Liam and I have actual guests to attend to. People who matter."
She turned, pulling me along with her, but Seraphina wasn't finished.
"He's using you, you know," she called after us. "That's what he does—latches onto wealthy women who can support him."
Isabelle paused, turning back with a smile that could cut glass. "Is that so? How fascinating coming from someone who discarded a diamond because she thought it was coal." She glanced pointedly at Gideon. "Enjoy your pyrite."
Without waiting for a response, she led me toward the other side of the ballroom.
"That was..." I struggled for words.
"Long overdue," Isabelle finished for me. "I've been wanting to put that woman in her place since I heard how she treated you."
I stared at her in amazement. "Thank you."
She gave me a small smile. "Don't thank me yet. The night is still young, and I need to check on something. Will you be alright on your own for a few minutes?"
I nodded, and she squeezed my hand once more before disappearing into the crowd.
Left alone, I made my way to the bar, ordering a scotch to steady my nerves. I was taking my first sip when Seraphina appeared beside me.
"Your new girlfriend is quite the bitch," she hissed.
"She's not my girlfriend," I replied calmly. "And you'd be wise not to insult her in her own home."
"So what is she to you?" Seraphina demanded. "Your new meal ticket? Your boss? Or are you actually sleeping with her?"
I set my glass down carefully. "My relationship with Isabelle is none of your concern. You made your choice, Seraphina."
"And I'd make it again," she snapped. "You were never going to be anything, Liam. Three years I wasted on you, waiting for you to become something more than a disappointing burden."
Her words stung less than they would have even a week ago. "I'm sorry you feel that way."
"Don't be pathetic," she spat. "That stinking woman might think you're special, but I know the truth. You're nothing. You've always been nothing."
Before I could respond, Gideon appeared, slipping an arm around Seraphina's waist.
"Is there a problem here?" he asked, eyeing me with obvious disdain.
"No problem," I said evenly. "Seraphina was just leaving."
Gideon's eyes narrowed. "Watch your tone. You may have Isabelle Ashworth's temporary attention, but that won't last. And when she discards you, remember that you made an enemy of me tonight."
I met his gaze steadily. "Is that a threat?"
"Consider it a friendly warning." He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "And tell that stinking woman of yours to watch her step. If she falls into my hands, she'll regret ever crossing me."
Something snapped inside me. My hand shot out, gripping his wrist so tightly that he winced.
"Her name is Isabelle Ashworth," I said quietly, "and if I were you, I'd be very careful about threatening her. In fact, you'd better apologize to her, or you'll end up very miserable."